The early roots of American Musical Theatre can be traced to the late 19th century and the beginning of vaudeville. Vaudeville was a style of theatrical entertainment featuring a variety of acts, including comedy, song, dance, and skits.
The form flourished in the United States from the 1880s to the 1930s and had a major impact on American culture and society. Vaudeville was a major source of entertainment for both adults and children, as well as being an important cultural influence that shaped music, comedy, dance, and other forms of popular entertainment.
The first attempts at creating an American Musical Theatre were seen at the turn of the 20th century with shows such as Florodora, The Wizard of Oz and The Prince of Pilsen. These shows were popular but short-lived.
It was not until 1927 that Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, opened on Broadway that musical theatre really took off in America. This show was a huge success and is regarded as one of the most important musicals ever written.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s innovative approach to musical theatre set off a wave of new musicals that would shape American culture for decades to come. They wrote some of the most successful musicals in Broadway history such as South Pacific, The King and I, Cinderella, and The Sound Of Music.
Other influential writers such as Leonard Bernstein (West Side Story) and Stephen Sondheim (A Little Night Music) further pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved in Musical Theatre with their unique styles.
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American Musical Theatre has become one of America’s greatest art forms due to its unique combination of music, dance, dialogue, acting, costumes and sets that all combine to create an unforgettable experience for audiences around the world.
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Conclusion:
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American Musical Theatre has come a long way since its humble beginnings in vaudeville in late 19th century America. From Rodgers & Hammerstein’s groundbreaking work with Oklahoma!, through to modern masterpieces like West Side Story or A Little Night Music by Bernstein or Sondheim – American Musical Theatre has played an important role in shaping our culture for generations.